How To Help Your Child D-stress

Is your child unusually sensitive, both to their own feelings and those of others? Does your child feel easily overwhelmed? Does your child pull back, frown or look worried? Is your child overly quiet? Does your child show signs of anxiety when facing change or a situation that is unfamiliar to them?

Children who have a tendency to worry more than usual, have often been born with those tendencies. Parents sometimes are not sure how to handle situations that may arise and may even try to force the child to be someone they're not comfortable with. This is a mistake. It is better to gently persuade your child rather than try to force your child to get out of his or her comfort zone. There is a delicate balance between understanding and expectation.

Some tips on helping your child feel more secure and comfortable:

1. Talk to your child in advance about any potential demanding situation and help him or her plan effective ways of handling challenges.

2. Role-play together until your child finds a way of relating that feels comfortable. When your child masters a new, difficult transition, be sure to congratulate him, acknowledging that you know how difficult the situation was.

3. If your child seems to be having difficulty making new friends, introduce him or her to a child who is similar in temperament. Someone whose personality overwhelms your child may only make things more difficult.

4. If you will be leaving your child in the care of someone else, reassure him or her that you will be back as a way to begin preparing for the separation. Promise to return at a specific time. Make sure that you leave your child in the care of a nurturing adult.

5. Spend quality alone time with your child. This will give him or her the opportunity to naturally open and express his or her concerns. This in turn, gives you as the parent the opportunity to reassure and build the confidence of your child.

6. Create positive, successful rewarding experiences so that your child will gain self-confidence.
This is especially important as your child has more experiences away from you and your home environment. The world can seem a little frightening and unfriendly. You want your child to feel that the world can and will be a safe place for them.

Children who have tendencies to feel stress and develop anxieties, often have oversensitive nervous systems. They have a low threshold for taking in stimuli. Loud noises, intense emotions and new experiences are challenging for them to sort through. It is important to give them space at times, even allowing them to remove themselves temporarily from a highly charged or overly stimulating environment. This affords them the opportunity to digest emotions and situations.

Do not try to change core personality traits of your child. Accept them for who they are. Respect and love them for their unique and individual personalities. Just help guide and direct him or her in positive ways so he or she can reach their potential. If you are feeling anxiety, your child will pick up on those anxieties and it may only make things more difficult for them. The more confidence you can show your child, the more confidence they will begin to feel in themselves.